Strategic Multi Category Manager (Fixed Term contract up to12 months)

Gas Management Services Limited; Sunderland; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy management firm in Sunderland is seeking a Strategic Multi Category Manager on a fixed-term contract. This mid-senior level role requires over 7 years of strategic procurement experience and offers a hybrid working model. Responsibilities include developing procurement categories to drive value and efficiency. Ideal candidates will have strong negotiation skills and a bachelor's degree in a related field. Applications close on January 4, 2026.

Qualifications

• 7+ years’ experience in strategic procurement or category management.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing category strategies.
• Strong understanding of contract law and commercial terms.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic development of procurement categories.
• Implement category strategies aligned with business goals.
• Drive supplier relationship management and performance reviews.

Skills

Strategic procurement

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Strategic Multi Category Manager (Fixed Term contract up to12 months)

3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

About Global Marine Group: An independent provider of subsea fibre optic connectivity solutions offering consultancy, subsea cable engineering, installation and maintenance, covering the lifespan of a subsea fibre optic cable system delivered to customers worldwide.

Purpose

Due to the organisation experiencing increased strategic and operation requirements, we have a new opportunity for a Strategic Multi Category Manager on a fixed-term contract. The purpose of this role is to lead the strategic development of key procurement categories, ensuring the organisation maximises value, improves commercial outcomes, and strengthens supplier performance. Working closely with our Buyers and the Head of Procurement, the Strategic Multi Category Manager will develop and execute comprehensive category plans that drive value creation, cost reduction, and operational efficiency. The role will also support procurement delivery, provide leadership in supplier relationship management (SRM), and oversee Charter Party Agreements (CPA), embedding best practice, governance, and continuous improvement across the procurement function. This role requires a highly strategic individual who can think ahead, identify opportunities, drive category direction and deliver long‑term procurement plans.

Key Deliverables

• Define and implement category strategies aligned with business objectives and procurement goals.
• Collaborate with Buyers and the Head of Procurement to ensure category plans are actionable and measurable.
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, including market analysis, supplier evaluation, and negotiation.
• Support procurement delivery through oversight of sourcing activities, contract execution, and supplier onboarding.
• Drive SRM activities, including supplier segmentation, performance reviews, and continuous improvement plans.
• Lead CPA activities to ensure commercial performance is tracked, reported, and optimised.
• Identify and deliver cost reduction opportunities without compromising quality or service.
• Develop and maintain category dashboards and reporting tools to monitor performance and compliance.
• Ensure procurement policies and procedures are followed and continuously improved.
• Provide guidance and support to Buyers on strategic procurement matters.
• Engage with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and align procurement strategies accordingly.
• Support risk management and mitigation strategies across the supply base.
• Champion procurement excellence and innovation across the organisation.

Qualifications, Skills And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering or a related field, or related certification (e.g., CIPS, MCIPS or working towards).
• At least minimum of 7 years’ experience in strategic procurement or category management.
• Proven track record of developing and delivering category strategies.
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
• Experience in SRM and performance management frameworks.
• Ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong understanding of contract law and commercial terms.
• Experience in managing complex procurement projects.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel and PowerPoint.
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally as required.

Ideal

• Experience in the marine, offshore renewables, or oil and gas sectors.
• Familiarity with CPA frameworks and procurement analytics.
• Experience in international procurement and global supply chains.
• Knowledge of sustainability and ESG considerations in procurement.
• Experience with procurement systems (e.g., IFS, etc).

Location

This role is based in our North East office, Washington, UK and follows a hybrid working arrangement, with working 3 days in the office and 2 days working remotely each week.

Job Type

Contract

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

This role is currently being advertised internally and externally, with a closing date of 4th January 2026, but may close sooner if we receive a high volume of applications beforehand.

To ensure our organisation complies with immigration rules, all candidates must provide evidence of their Right to Work in the UK when applying. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor candidates and on Graduate visas. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of submitting your application, please assume that your application has not been successful.